ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — As the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic grips the globe, it can be difficult to find reliably factual information about what's going on here in Florida.
This blog is a resource to address that crucial need. 10News reporters and producers will use it to share the latest headlines, while actively avoiding the hyperbole that's running rampant across social media.
Stories that require more in-depth coverage will be posted on WTSP.com/coronavirus.
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11:30 p.m. (March 17)
St. Petersburg College is moving all classes and operations online starting Wednesday, March 18, and canceling all college-related events.
"Students, faculty and staff received communications on March 13 that classes would move online for at least two weeks. Today, following guidance from local, state and federal health officials regarding physical distancing, that time period was extended to the end of the term out of an abundance of caution," a statement read.
"Students, faculty and staff received additional notification this evening, Tuesday, March 17."
10:47 p.m. (March 17)
The Florida Supreme Court issued a statewide order to limit court functionality during the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
In the order issued by Chief Justice Charles Canady, grand jury proceedings, jury selection proceedings and criminal and civil jury trials have been suspended.
It is in effect until Friday, March 27.
9:52 p.m. (March 17)
The Florida Department of Health announced the first positive COVID-19 coronavirus case in Polk County.
It involves a woman, health officials said, and there are no other details about the case. There are 216 total COVID-19 cases in Florida.
U.S. Rep. Ross Spano, R-Dover, whose congressional district includes Polk County, urges "all of my constituents to heed the advice of the CDC, state and local health officials to ensure that together we can flatten the curve of the virus."
9:18 p.m. (March 17)
The Florida Division of Emergency Management said it is ordering supplies and personal protective equipment from the federal government in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus.
Supplies are being delivered on a rolling basis, with inventory distributed across Florida 24 hours a day, FDEM said.
They include:
- 5 mobile intensive care units
- 5,000 ventilators
- 5,000 hospital beds
- 50,000 two oz. bottles of hand sanitizer
- 250,000 coveralls
- 500,000 gloves
- 500,000 gowns
- 500,000 collection kits
- 100,000 16 oz. bottles of hand sanitizers
- 150,000 Personal Protective Equipment kits, including coveralls, gowns, and goggles
- 2 million N95 face masks
FDEM reports three field hospitals are being deployed in Ocala, Orlando, and Broward County.
6:37 p.m. (March 17)
An emergency alert was sent to people's mobile phones asking them to "be kind, responsible, respect social distancing of 6 feet" and keep groups to 10 people or less.
6:07 p.m. (March 17)
The Florida Department of Health confirms there are 216 total COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Florida, with an additional 24 positive cases reported since the last update.
A person with COVID-19 in Manatee County has died, health officials say, bringing the total number of deaths to seven.
Among the 216 total cases, there are 195 positive cases among Florida residents and 21 positive cases among non-Florida residents.
5 p.m. (March 17)
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced 24 new positive cases of COVID-19 coronavirus, bringing the state's total to 216 cases.
Speaking on education, DeSantis said virtual learning will continue in the meantime: Students will not return to class until April 15, for now. He also announced the state is canceling all testing and grades for Florida's public K-12 schools this year.
If a parent chooses, a child can repeat their current grade, DeSantis said.
4:30 p.m. (March 17)
Pinellas County officials are giving an update on their response to COVID-19.
County Administrator Barry Burton ordered any place, including bars and restaurants, that sells alcohol for on-site consumption will need to close starting at 10 p.m. each night starting Wednesday.
County beaches will remain open at this time, however, visitors are asked to keep a distance from each other.
4:28 p.m. (March 17)
Hernando County announced it will close all of its public libraries Wednesday.
4:16 p.m. (March 17)
BayCare patients told by their doctor to be tested for COVID-19 coronavirus can head to any one of several testing centers in Tampa Bay -- and stay in their car.
The health care system says its drive-thru service only applies to BayCare patients who meet the Centers for Disease Control Prevention testing guidelines, including those who are showing symptoms, travel histories or be in close contact with someone of COVID-19. Access might be expanded in the future as testing supplies become available, it adds.
The testing service will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, starting Wednesday.
Locations include:
- BayCare Urgent Care (Carillon)
- 900 Carillon Parkway, Suite. 106, St. Petersburg, FL 33716
- BayCare Urgent Care (New Port Richey)
- 4821 U.S. Highway 19, New Port Richey, FL 34652
- BayCare Urgent Care (Countryside)
- 3351 N. McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater, FL 33761
- BayCare Urgent Care (Tampa)
- 3440 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Suite 100, Tampa, FL 33607
- BayCare Urgent Care (New Tampa)
- 17512 Dona Michelle Drive, Suite 5, Tampa, FL 33647
- BayCare Urgent Care (Bloomingdale)
- 2442 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico, FL 33596
- BayCare Urgent Care (Haines City)
- 36245 U.S. Highway 27, Haines City, FL 33844
3:47 p.m. (March 17)
The Broward County Sheriff's Office will temporarily stop serving all evection notices until further notice due to the current public health crisis.
3:02 p.m. (March 17)
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor is providing a COVID-19 coronavirus update.
2:58 p.m. (March 17)
The State University System of Florida ordered universities across the state to find new dates for graduation or figure out a new plan of action as state leaders fight the spread of COVID-19.
2:46 p.m. (March 17)
The Rolling Stones have postponed their upcoming "No Filter" tour, which was scheduled to include a July 5 stop at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Ticket holders have been advised to hold onto their original tickets and await further information.
2:40 p.m. (March 17)
Florida Sen. Rick Scott says he spoke with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, who told him that she has coronavirus tests available and is prepared to open a mobile testing center.
12:10 p.m. (March 17)
Florida now has 192 cases of coronavirus. 173 are residents. Four University of Florida students have tested positive.
12:05 p.m. (March 17)
In light of the recent activation of the State Emergency Operations Center and requests by potential applicants, the Volunteer Florida Foundation has extended the application window for the Florida Disaster Fund grant funding so organizations can focus on responding to COVID-19. Applications will now be due by 5 pm on April 10.
11:25 a.m. (March 17)
Due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19, all marriage ceremonies in Hillsborough County are canceled until further notice effective March 18.
All appointments after March 17 are canceled and no new appointments will be taken.
Marriage licenses will continue to be issued until further notice.
All passport application processing is canceled until further notice effective March 18.
All passport appointments are canceled effective March 18 and no new appointments will be taken until further notice.
10:20 a.m. (March 17)
The Hudson Sports Complex has temporarily closed its sports indoor facilities (Field House and Dome), effective March 16.
The outdoor fields are available for 1-on-1 and small group trainings by appointment. For Soccer Trainings, please visit www.foxsoccer.academy/1-on-1-group-training, for Speed & Agility or Outdoor Field Rental Inquiries, please contact (845) 986-7777 or email info@hudsonsportscomplex.com.
10:10 a.m. (March 17)
St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman posted the following on Twitter Tuesday morning:
10 a.m. (March 17)
All Sarasota County libraries will close Tuesday at 5 p.m., and remain closed through April 12. All due dates for physical materials are pushed back to April 13, and staff is working on offering curbside pick-up for items placed on hold through the catalog. The digital library is open 24/7 and library cardholders can get access to download books, magazines, and stream movies, TV and music.
In addition, this link is a list of COVID-19 related information in Sarasota County, including closures and cancellations of county-sponsored events and facilities.
9 a.m. (March 17)
Hillsborough County announced Tuesday morning it's ordering all restaurants and bars to operate at half capacity and close by 10 p.m. every night.
The county is also taking steps to increase the amount of "social distancing."
All public and private events in Hillsborough are being limited to no more than 50 people. That includes church and temple gatherings.
Sheriff Chad Chronister said the hope is business owners will cooperate, but deputies will directly enforce the rules, if necessary.
Hillsborough County Administrator Mike Merrill says the actions are in line with sweeping recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control.
8 a.m. (March 17)
In an abundance of caution amid the COVID-19 outbreak, the city of Clearwater is canceling Spring Break Camps at all recreation facilities starting March 18. If you have any questions, please contact your recreation center.
4:30 a.m. (March 17)
The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners will have a special meeting at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Citrus County Courthouse regarding updates to COVID-19. To view the meeting online, LIVE or archived, click here.
You can also watch live on Spectrum Channel 643.
4:30 a.m. (March 17)
The Florida Department of Health confirms five Florida residents have died from COVID-19 coronavirus, up from four in its last update. The person is located in Orange County.
There are a total of 160 COVID-19 cases in the state of Florida, plus six that are Florida residents who are diagnosed and isolated out of state.
4 a.m. (March 17)
WrestleMania and all related events won't be held in the Tampa Bay area, WWE says. However, WrestleMania will stream live at 7 p.m. on April 5 on the WWE Network. Only essential personnel will be there to broadcast it from a closed set at WWE's training center in Orlando. It will be available on pay-per-view.
7:10 p.m. (March 16)
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor is ordering all the city's bars and restaurants to limit their capacity to 50 percent to help limit the spread of COVID-19. They will also be closing no later than 10 p.m. until further notice. These instructions take effect at noon on Tuesday.